Safe Holiday Shopping PDF Print E-mail
Safety
Written by Daniel White   
Monday, 24 November 2008 01:49

NewsChannel5 conducted an investigation into the crime stats of several local shopping malls from September 2007 through September 2008. What they found was not surprising.
The On Your Side investigation found:
  • 76 car break-ins
  • 55 stolen vehicles
  • 54 assaults
  • 44 robberies

The 98 assaults and robberies highlight the reason why many Ohioans refuse to be victims and choose to obtain their concealed handgun license and carry a firearm for personal protection.

NewsChannel5 presented their own list of suggestions for staying safe, but omitted the most effective means of self defense available to you.
  • Shop during daylight hours -- if you must shop at night, go with a friend or have a security guard accompany you to your car.
  • Park in a well-lighted space and keep shopping bags and valuables in the trunk.
  • Women: keep your purse close to your body.
  • Men: keep your wallet in your front pocket.
  • Have your car keys in hand when walking to your vehicle.
  • Don't wear expensive jewelry that could attract thieves.
  • Don't carry large amounts of cash.
  • Consolidate purchases into one or two shopping bags.

Shopping during the daylight hours is good advice, though not always a viable option due to the earlier sunset in the winter. They are correct in that there can be increased safety in numbers.

Keeping your purse tight and your wallet in a front pocket may guard against purse snatching or pickpocketing, but offers no protection against a mugging.

I've yet to see a case where car keys fended off an attacker, though I suppose it would be better than nothing.

Avoiding bling might make you less attractive as a potential target, but most holiday robbers are after your gifts and the money you intend to use to purchase them. Unless you routinely "flash your wad," not carrying large amounts of cash only serves to minimize the loss if you are attacked. Likewise, carrying fewer bags might make it look like you have less for them to steal, but does nothing for you if you are actually the victim of a violent crime.

As this study shows, shopping malls are not the crime free zones some have lead you believe by posting "no guns allowed" signs in the parking lot. Criminals go where they will have the best chance of success and they follow the money/goods. Breaking into or stealing cars full of Christmas presents is an age old tradition for thugs. If they decide, instead, to attack you personally, a firearm gives you a much better chance for defending yourself than a set of car keys. Don't leave home without it!